What is a Defra Approved Multi Fuel Stove?

A multi-fuel stove that has been approved by defra is one which has passed the Defra test for smoke. These stoves are often referred to as SE (smoke-exempt) stoves.

The Defra department of the government is responsible for implementing rules and regulations related to rural issues, agriculture, and the environment. The Defra test demonstrates that you are able to burn wood or approved smokeless fuels like Anthracite ovals within an area that is smoke-free without causing any disturbance to your neighbors by emitting nuisance smoke.

Eco-Friendly

Eco-friendly stoves are designed to emit less carbon dioxide, while making use of fuel efficiently, and using sustainable materials. They typically burn wood or a mixture of authorised fuels, and are designed with environmental considerations in the back of their minds. There are many eco-friendly multi-fuel stoves and log burners that are available, ranging from traditional to modern models. Some eco-friendly stoves even use dung (the excreta of domesticated livestock) to provide an extremely efficient and carbon-free alternative to wood.

The most important thing you can do to ensure that your stove is eco-friendly is to ensure that the fuel is properly seasoned or kiln-dried. This reduces the moisture content and allows the wood to burn more efficiently, producing less smoke. It is recommended to purchase only wood harvested from sustainable forests. When buying wood be sure to look for the Woodsure 'Ready to Burn' label to confirm that it has been dried properly.

The majority of modern stoves are compliant with the strict EU EcoDesign Standards. These standards require stove manufacturers to design wood burning stoves with energy efficiency and the environment in mind. Manufacturers must consider emissions, resource efficiency, and waste reduction when designing Ecodesign stoves. These are among the most eco-friendly and cleanest stoves that are available.

Another option to make your stove more green is to replace the grates with ceramic. This material is not just aesthetically pleasing but also anti-smoking, and helps reduce the amount of sulphur oxide that is in the air. Ceramic grate liners also have a longer life span and are easier to clean than steel inserts for grates.

While you can still take pleasure in the comfort of cozy wood burning stoves or multi fuel stove in a Smoke Control Area it is crucial to use only Defra approved fuels. If you do not, it is possible that you could be in breach of the law and risk a fine from the local council. It is recommended to only use fuels approved by Defra, such as anthracite-based round manufactured by Defra in your stove.

Clean Burning

A Defra approved multi fuel stove can be used in smoke controlled areas if it burns authorised smokeless fuels only. It can be a non-smokeless log, anthracite or a naturally occurring or manufactured product. The stove manufacturers must also adhere to the regulations for selling a DEFRA-exempted wood burner. Here at The Stove Yard we have a fantastic choice of DEFRA approved stoves for wood burning and multi fuel stoves from leading brands such as Arada, Parkray, Burley, Stovax and many more.

These types of Defra exempt stoves offer the most advanced combustion technology, designed to reduce the amount of emissions and tar build-up up in your chimney and flue system. They employ the most advanced secondary and tertiary airflow techniques to ignite particulates and tar gases before they escape into the atmosphere. This is what makes the Defra approved stove so much more eco-friendly than the older generation wood burning stoves as well as open fires.

The design of the Defra approved stove is unique, most of our range will have a hidden mechanism inside the stove that allows for a small, continuous flow of air through to the fire even when the air vents are shut. This prevents soot and ash being released up the chimney that can cause obstruction to your stove and result in dangerous chimney fires.

The new Defra-approved cooktops don't permit you to completely shut the air vents and defra recognized stoves slumber the stove for a night and release part-burned combustibles into the air.

A DEFRA-approved cooktop will have a longer burning time than older stoves that are not DEFRA-approved. However it is possible to switch your approved fuel with smokeless coal in order to slumber the stove overnight, this would also shorten the burning time due to the constant air supply required for slumbering will reduce the burning of smokeless fuel.

Reduced Emissions

If used properly, a stove that is exempt from DEFRA can produce very low levels of emissions. These emissions are typically PM2.5 particles that, if inhaled, could cause a variety of health issues, including heart problems and lung diseases.

The high efficiency of combustion provided by a DEFRA-approved wood burner reduces the amount harmful particles and pollutants released during the process of burning. This minimizes the impact of the burning process on the environment.

The efficiency of a stove could lower the cost of heating your house. Using an DEFRA approved wood burning stove over a conventional gas boiler can reduce your carbon footprint and save you money on your energy costs.

If you live in a zone where smoke is controlled, it's essential that your stove is DEFRA-approved (or Smoke Exempt) since it allows you to burn approved Defra Fuels such as manufactured smokeless ovals such as Anthracite or Homefire and dried wood and other approved fuels. This will let you relax in the fireplace, without worrying that nuisance smoke could be a nuisance to your neighbors.

Many stoves that are DEFRA stoves price range certified, are tested to meet clearSkies standards and are able to be identified with the clearSkies label. The clearSkies mark is an independent scheme that requires stove makers to display information about their appliances efficiency and emissions making it easier for consumers to make an informed choice. The information must include the stove's efficiency rating as well as emissions, along with its type and size.

It is important to keep in mind that, like Ecodesign the clearSkies guidelines are minimum standards, and the manufacturers can go beyond these. ESSE has developed its most recent stoves to make them even more efficient and cleaner, producing less smoke without compromising performance or control. This latest development uses twin catalytic technology that reburns the smoke particles it releases drastically reducing their impact on the atmosphere.

If you live in a smoke-free zone and use a DEFRA Approved Stove with a top-quality, kiln dried or seasoned log, then you'll get as much heat, or perhaps more in the same amount of dry wood than the same amount of wood burned in a non DEFRA Approved Stove. In fact, it can be up to 24 percent cheaper to heat your home with a a new DEFRA recognized stoves Approved stove than with the traditional gas boiler.

Compliant with Building Regulations

If you reside in an area that is under smoke control, it is essential to choose a multi-fuel stove that is approved by DEFRA. These stoves have passed tests to ensure that they don't release any smoke when burning approved fuel, which means you can use them in areas that are usually heavily populated by buildings. At Choice Stoves, we supply and install a range of DEFRA approved log burners from the top brands, including Mi-fires Contura, Stovax, ACR, Broseley, Tiger, Cast Tec and more.

A DEFRA approved multi fuel stove can allow you to burn peat, wood and other solid fuels in a safe manner. Be aware that some fuels are prohibited for use in Smoke Control Areas, so it's essential to be familiar with local regulations and DEFRA recognized stoves restrictions.

Proper ventilation is essential for safety when operating a multi fuel stove, as this will help to reduce carbon monoxide accumulation in your home. DEFRA approved stoves have a built-in ventilation system that provides sufficient air to the combustion process. This will ensure that your home is always well ventilated and safe to use.

DEFRA approved stoves also have a minimum dimension of 550mm2, meaning they can be used in combination with a standard dualwall flue system. Our vast range of flue liners are compatible with DEFRA approved stoves, which means you can utilize them to upgrade your existing fireplace and ensure it meets the latest emission standards.

Look for the DEFRA symbol on the stove's packaging or online. This information is also available on numerous reputable retailers' websites and in store displays.

If you're thinking of installing a multi-fuel stove, you must ensure to have the work completed by a licensed professional to ensure compliance with the building regulations. If you don't follow the proper installation guidelines this could result in an expensive fine or even damage to your home. We recommend using an HETAS approved installer to carry out your stove installation, as they will be familiar with the manufacturer's guidelines and building regulations.